Five Ways to Use Leftover Chili

Five Creative Ways to Use Leftover Chili

Do you like chili? Do you like saving time and money? Why not combine all of the above by stretching one pot of chili into two healthy and filling meals? Make an extra large pot of chili, refrigerate the leftovers, and then use the recipes below to turn the leftover chili into tomorrow's tasty dinner.

Don't know how to make chili? Check out the "How to Make Chili" module, which includes recipes for chili con carne, white chili, and vegan chili.

How to Reheat Leftover Chili

How to reheat leftover chili on the stove: Lightly grease the bottom of a saucepan with cooking spray to prevent the chili from sticking to the pan. Cook the leftover chili over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm, about 5-10 minutes.

How to reheat leftover chili in the microwave: Add the leftover chili to a microwave-safe container, then cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Stop the microwave and give the chili a stir at the halfway point.

Warm the taco shells by placing them in an oven preheated to 300F for 8-10 minutes. If using corn tortillas, place them on a hot skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, and cook each side for 5-10 seconds until the tortilla starts to blister.

Spoon Â¼ cup of reheated chili into each warmed taco shell or tortilla. Top the chili with 2 tablespoons of shredded lettuce and 1 tablespoon of sour cream or cheese.

Serve each taco with a lime wedge and salsa.

Yield: Serves 4

Chili Burritos

Chili Burritos

2 cups leftover chili

1 cup refried beans (canned or leftovers)

Â¾ cup Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese or a combination of both, grated

4 tbsp onion, diced

4 tbsp jalapeno slices, fresh or pickled

4 flour tortillas (10-12 inches each)

Preheat the broiler or preheat the oven to 450F.

In separate pots, reheat the leftover chili and refried beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. You can also reheat the leftover chili and beans in the microwave by placing them in separate microwave-safe bowls and cooking 1-2 minutes.

While the leftover chili and beans are being reheated, warm the tortillas in the oven by wrapping them in aluminum foil, and placing them in the oven for two minutes.

Place a tortilla on flat surface. Spread Â¼ cup of refried beans in the center of the tortilla. On the top of the refried beans, place Â½ cup of reheated chili, 3 tablespoons of cheese, 1 tablespooon of jalapeno, and 1 tablespoon of onion. Fold into a burrito shape by folding the lower third of the tortilla away from you (it should slightly cover some of the burrito filling). Then fold in both sides of the tortilla so that they overlap. When you are done, the burrito should be open at the top and sealed at the bottom and sides. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Place the burritos on a baking sheet. Warm them in the oven or broiler until lightly browned and the cheese has melted, about 7-8 minutes.

Cut the tortillas into quarters and place them on a cookie sheet. Bake the tortilla quarters until they are crisp, about 12-15 minutes. Set aside and reduce the heat to 350F.

Grease a 2-quart or 8x8-inch baking dish. Place the crisp tortillas on the bottom of the dish so that they are slightly overlapping. Place half of the leftover chili on top of the tortillas. Top the chili with half of the cheese, and place half of the sour cream over the cheese layer. Repeat the layers. Sprinkle the chopped onion over the top layer (sour cream).

Bake the chili casserole until bubbly and lightly browned on top, about 30 minutes.

Yield: Serves 6-8

Chili Burgers

Chili Burgers

1 cup leftover red chili, reheated

1Â½ lbs. ground lean choice or prime beef

1 tsp salt

Â½ tsp black pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

Â½ cup chopped onion

Â½ cup grated cheddar or monterey jack cheese

4 hamburger buns

Preheat a grill to medium high heat.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the salt, pepper, and garlic. Form 4 burgers from the meat mixture, each about Â¾-inch thick.

Place the burgers on the grill and cook as desired, allowing about 4 minutes per side for medium done.

Transfer the cooked hamburgers on to the buns, and spoon some of the chili, cheese, and onion over each burger. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 burgers

Recommended Cookbooks for People Who Want to Save Money

Are you looking for more ways to stretch your grocery budget? Here are some cookbooks that feature quick, easy, and cheap meals.

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